A bystander distraction allows a Trenton man to escape from an armed robber

TRENTON — A momentary distraction by a bystander was enough to allow a city resident to escape an armed robber Monday morning, police said yesterday.

The victim was being held at gunpoint on the 700 block of Monmouth Street just after 11 a.m. when a witness on the street started yelling at the suspect. The suspect wheeled around and pointed his gun at the other man, said officer Pete Szpakowski, a police spokesman.

“So the male (victim) takes the opportunity and runs,” he said.

Foiled, the suspect allegedly pedaled away on his bicycle and out of sight.

Police searched the area for the suspect, who was said to have “a large silver handgun,” but he could not be found, Szpakowski said.

No one was injured and nothing was taken in the robbery attempt, which began when the suspect approached the victim on the street, pointed the weapon, and demanded money, police say.

Anyone with information on the case can call police at (609) 989-4170 or the Confidential Tip Line at (609) 989-3663.